Keeping alive the Islamic tradition of scholarship, insight, and purification...one day at a time.

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

LESSON OF THE DAY 535

Ayah of the Day:So We inspired you to follow the way of Abraham devotedly; he was not one of the idolaters [16: 123]

Hadith of the Day:A strong man is not one who defeats (another) in physical combat. Verily, a strong man is he who controls his self at the time of anger. [Bukhari & Muslim]

Wise Quote of the Day:If one is not satisfied with what suffices him, no abundance will ever enrich him. [Omar radi Allah anhu]

Guidance of the Day:Anger: It is essential to keep anger under control. One should never act spontaneously in accordance with the dictates of anger. On the contrary, anger should be made subservient to the commands of the Shari'a. It is natural to be aroused in the state of anger. Such natural propensity is not blameworthy (in itself). But Allah Most High has endowed man with will power. Anger has therefore to be controlled since it is within the scope of man's willpower to do so. Failure to exercise this volitional power is contrary to human nature.

Anger in itself arises involuntarily. It is automatically activated. But acting in accordance with its demands is voluntary; hence, refraining from it is likewise voluntary. The remedy for a non-volitional act (the way of curbing it) is nothing other than the exercise of one's willpower in order to bring about restraint and control. This is within one's ability even if one experiences a degree of difficulty in exercising willpower. Repeated exercise of the will weakens the demands of the anger. In consequence refraining from anger becomes a relatively simple task.

In cases of injustice carried out in the state of anger, it is essential that the aggressor, after his anger has subsided, publicly apologize and humble himself in the presence of the one whom he has wronged. The aggressor should personally apologize in profusion and seek the pardon of the one he wronged. This measure will restore the anger of the aggressor to equilibrium. He will thus be prevented from the perpetration of injustice at the behest of anger. At all times, avoid haste. Strive seriously to oppose the dictates of anger. Whenever you succumb, resort to asking for forgiveness and obtain the pardon of the one whose rights have been violated. Recite: A'udhu bi 'Llahi mina'sh-Shaytani'r-rajim.

Remember that Allah Most High has greater power and authority over you and that you are disobedient to Him. If He adopts the attitude of wrath toward you, where will you be then? Also reflect that nothing can happen without the will of Allah. Ponder then, of what worth then am I? I am an absolute non-entity. How can I then act in conflict with Allah Most High? [The Path of Perfection]

Food for Thought:Those who change in accordance with the deeper design of life will reap benefits for themselves and those around them.